United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997
Drug Seizure Accountability Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties of up to 15 years' imprisonment, a fine, or both for theft under color of law. Specifies that if the stolen property is a controlled substance, the penalty shall be the same as for the offense of possessing such substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Requires: (1) each law enforcement authority in the United States to make and maintain records of controlled substances that come into their possession during the course of law enforcement activities; and (2) the Attorney General to include in the annual report to the Congress information regarding the types and amounts of controlled substances for which such records have been made during the period covered by the report.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations to carry out provisions relating to substance abuse prevention and treatment block grants, substance abuse data collection, and a national database on substance abuse prevention. Requires that States spend a minimum percentage of the grants on drug abuse prevention and treatment in communities with a significant number of individuals who are at risk of developing drug abuse (in addition to amounts required by other provisions for such individuals).
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations to carry out provisions relating to substance abuse prevention and treatment block grants, substance abuse data collection, and a national data base on substance abuse prevention. Requires that States spend a minimum percentage of the grants on rehabilitation services (in addition to amounts required by other provisions for such services).
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997
Directs the Attorney General, in collaboration with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to carry out a program for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse among individuals who are in Federal penal or correctional institutions and in the criminal custody of the Attorney General. Provides for special consideration to individuals whose terms of such custody are within 12 months of completion. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997
Amends the National Narcotics Leadership Act of 1988 to increase the amount of funds that the Director of National Drug Control Policy may transfer between National Drug Control Program agency accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997
Small Business Development Fund Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose upon each individual who has a 50 percent strategy-based capital gains tax reduction (as defined in this Act) for the taxable year a tax equal to one percent of the strategy amount for that taxable year. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to publish a list of applicable tax reduction strategies for the next calendar quarter. Makes the above amendment effective only if a decrease in the maximum Federal capital gains tax rate is enacted during 1997. Amends Code provisions relating to the treatment of certain interests in corporations as stock or indebtedness to treat a corporate interest as stock if such interest: (1) has a maximum weighted average maturity of over 40 years; or (2) is payable in stock of the issuer or a related person. Requires an issuer to be treated as issuing an interest in stock if: (1) the issuer is a corporation required to file annual financial statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission; (2) such statements do not characterize such interest as indebtedness; and (3) such interest has a maximum weighted average maturity of over 15 years. Provides exceptions. Makes such amendment effective only if no decrease in the maximum Federal capital gains tax rate is enacted during 1997. Establishes in the Treasury the Small Business Development Fund and appropriates to such Fund amounts equal to any taxes received as a result of amendments made by this Act. Provides Fund assistance application requirements. Allows the Fund to provide such financial assistance to credit unions, community development corporations, entities engaged in job creation or enterprise and commercial development, or financial institutions needing capital to begin or expand a small business activity in a low-income community.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1997
Declares that the Congress: (1) maintains that the standard for the "Made in USA" label should continue to be that a product was all or virtually all made in the United States; and (2) urges the Federal Trade Commission to refrain from lowering the standard at the expense of consumers and jobs in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Highway Programs Title II: Transit Programs ISTEA Reauthorization Act of 1997 - Title I: Highway Programs - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1998 through 2003 for: (1) the National Highway System (NHS); (2) the surface transportation program; (3) the bridge program; (4) congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program; (5) the minimum allocation program; (6) apportionment adjustments; (7) the Interstate System reimbursement program; (8) level of effort bonus; (9) certain projects under the Federal lands highways program; (10) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) highway safety programs; (11) FHWA highway safety research and development; and (12) the Appalachian development highway program. (Sec. 103) Amends Federal-aid highway law to revise the formula for determining the State apportionment of funds for the NHS and the surface transportation program. Extends through FY 2003 the set aside of Federal highway funds for discretionary projects for the resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating, and reconstructing of routes on the Interstate System. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to conduct, and submit to specified congressional committees, a study of the impact of the movement of goods on transportation infrastructure as a measure of need for apportioning funds for the NHS. (Sec. 104) Earmarks 50 percent of NHS funds apportioned to States for Interstate maintenance projects. Repeals the State apportionment of Federal highway funds (nondiscretionary) for resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating, and reconstructing the Interstate System. (Sec.105) Revises the formula for the apportionment of funds to States under the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program. Authorizes States that are apportioned more than 15 percent of the total amount of such apportioned funds to transfer, with the approval of the metropolitan planning organization, all or a portion of the amount that exceeds such percentage to the State's apportionment of funds under the surface transportation program. Prohibits the use of transferred funds for a project which will result in the construction of new capacity available to single occupant vehicles unless the project consists of a high occupancy vehicle facility available to single occupant vehicles only at other than peak travel times. . (Sec. 106) Extends for an additional six-fiscal year period the obligation of a State to allocate surface transportation program funds for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction in urbanized areas with a population over 200,000. (Sec.107) Increases the minimum amount of apportioned highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program funds that a State shall receive in any fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2003 for the discretionary bridge and off-system bridges programs. Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to authorize appropriations for FY 1998 through 2003 for the highway timber bridge research and demonstration program. (Sec.108) Revises for FY 1998 and each fiscal year thereafter the formula for determining the amount of highway funds that would be required to ensure a State's percentage of the total apportionments in each fiscal year and allocations for the prior fiscal year for specified transportation programs is not less than 90 percent of the percentage that the population of the State is of the population of the United States (as determined by the Secretary based on the most recent revised estimate of State populations prepared by the Bureau of Census). (Sec. 110) Provides for the adjustment of funds apportioned to States for the surface transportation program. (Sec. 111) Directs the Secretary to allocate Federal highway funds to eligible States in a ratio that the financial level of effort of each State exceeds the financial level of effort of all States in a fiscal year, except that no State may receive more than ten percent of the total amount made available for such fiscal year. Earmarks a specified amount of such funds to certain States that have a high level of effort as measured by equivalent motor fuel taxes collected. Directs the Secretary to transfer amounts allocated to a State under this section to the State's apportionment of funds for the surface transportation program. (Sec. 112) Extends through FY 2003: (1) the strategic highway research program; (2) the applied research and technology program; (3) the seismic research program; (4) intelligent transportation systems; (5) the scenic byways program; and (6) construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities (discretionary). (Sec. 115) Amends Federal-aid highway law to authorize the Secretary to make grants to Mexican and Canadian border States that demonstrate the need due to increased traffic resulting from implementation of the North American Free Trade Act for assistance in carrying out transportation projects that are necessary to relieve traffic congestion in the border region, in particular to connect the NHS with Federal border crossing facilities, or to improve enforcement of motor carrier safety laws there. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 116) Sets forth highway transportation program streamlining provisions including: (1) authorizing States to give priority for high priority segments of corridors of national significance for inclusion in transportation improvement projects; (2) Federal and State environmental reviews for surface transportation projects; (3) State credit for non-Federal share of the cost of projects for toll revenues that are generated and used by public, quasi-public, and private agencies to build or improve highways, bridges, or tunnels that serve interstate commerce; (4) encouragement of alternative transportation purposes, including bikeway and walkway projects, of historic bridges; and (5) simplifying the administration of enhancement projects and congestion mitigation and air quality projects with costs of less than $500,000. Title II: Transit Programs - Federal Transit Act of 1997 - Amends Federal mass transportation law to authorize urbanized areas with a population of less than 200,000 to use block grant mass transportation assistance for either operating or capital purposes. (Sec. 205) Authorizes appropriations through FY 2003 for discretionary grants and loans for: (1) fixed guideway modernization; (2) capital projects for new fixed guideway systems and extensions to existing fixed guideway systems; and (3) replacement of buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities. (Sec. 206) Authorizes appropriations through FY 2003 for certain apportionments to urbanized areas for fixed guideway modernization (nondiscretionary). Authorizes appropriations through FY 2003 for specified mass transportation programs. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2002 for: (1) the national mass transportation institute; and (2) university research institutes. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2003 for transportation centers (including set-asides). (Sec. 208) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal a certain limitation on the transfer of amounts from the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1997
Independent Commission on Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1997 - Establishes the Independent Commission on Campaign Finance Reform to study the laws relating to the financing of political activity and to report and recommend legislation to reform those laws. (Sec. 6) Requires the Commission, not later than July 1998 or 240 days after the appointment of its members (whichever occurs earlier), to submit to the President, the Speaker and minority leader of the House of Representatives, and the majority and minority leaders of the Senate, a report of the activities of the Commission. Requires the report to include any recommendations for changes in the laws (including regulations) governing the financing of political activity, including any changes in House and Senate rules, to which nine or more Commission members may agree, together with drafts of: (1) any legislation (including technical and conforming provisions) recommended by the Commission to implement such recommendations; and (2) any proposed amendment to the Constitution recommended by the Commission as necessary to implement such recommendations, except that if the Commission includes such a proposed amendment in its report, it shall also include recommendations and drafts for legislation that may be implemented prior to the adoption of such proposed amendment. Requires the Commission, in making recommendations and preparing drafts of legislation, to consider the following to be its primary goals: (1) encouraging fair and open Federal elections that provide voters with meaningful information about candidates and issues; (2) eliminating the disproportionate influence of special interest financing of Federal elections; and (3) creating a more equitable electoral system for challengers and incumbents. (Sec. 7) Provides for expedited congressional consideration of any legislation introduced the substance of which implements a recommendation of the Commission submitted, including a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution. (Sec. 9) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1997
Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue one-dollar and half-dollar coins emblematic of the expedition of Lewis and Clark. Allocates surcharges from coin sales between the National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Council and the National Park Service for activities associated with the bicentennial commemoration of the expedition.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1997
American Cities Investment Act of 1997 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to: (1) set limitations on maximum outstanding loan guarantees issued by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; (2) authorize the Secretary to guarantee advances from Federal Home Loan Banks; and (3) expand the community participation requirements to include major stakeholders (as defined by this Act). Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to authorize advances to metropolitan cities, urban counties, or their public agencies for certain extraordinary, nonusual community development purposes pursuant to such loan guarantees. Prohibits the use of such funds to supplant Federal or non-federal fund sources. Sets forth amount limit and repayment provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: America Reads Challenge Act Title II: Grants to States Title III: Local and Regional Grants to Support Effective Models and Exemplary Partnerships Title IV: Supportive Activities Title V: Miscellaneous America Reads Challenge Act of 1997 - Title I: America Reads Challenge - Makes appropriations to the Secretary of Education and provides for funds from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Corporation for National and Community Service for joint financial support for effective local reading programs for preschool-aged children and children attending both public and private schools. Title II: Grants to States - Directs the Secretary and the CEO to use specified amounts of funds for grants to States for subgrants to local reading programs and local "Parents As First Teachers" programs. Title III: Local and Regional Grants to Support Effective Models and Exemplary Partnerships - Directs the Secretary and the CEO jointly to: (1) make competitive grants for various local, regional, and national activities that identify and promote effective and promising practices for helping all children read well and independently by the end of the third grade; and (2) ensure that at least ten percent of such funds are awarded to national or regional information networks or other programs to provide support, training, and educational materials to assist parents to help their children become successful readers by the end of the third grade. Title IV: Supportive Activities - Directs the Secretary and the CEO to use certain reserved funds: (1) for technical assistance, dissemination of materials and information about best practices, and other activities; and (2) to evaluation of programs under this Act. Title V: Miscellaneous - Authorizes the Secretary and the CEO to waive certain provisions of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 under specified conditions. (Sec. 503) Prohibits use of funds under this Act for: (1) awards to a pervasively sectarian organization; or (2) support of religious worship, instruction, or proselytization.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1997
Cost of Higher Education Review Act of 1997 - Establishes a National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education to study and make recommendations to the President and the Congress regarding: (1) the increase in tuition compared with other commodities and services; (2) innovative methods of reducing or stabilizing tuition; (3) the impact on tuition of specified trends in college and university costs, student financial aid, and government mandates and fiscal policies; (4) mechanisms for a more timely and widespread distribution of data on tuition trends and other costs of operating colleges and universities; and (5) the adequacy of existing Federal and State financial aid programs in meeting the costs of attending colleges and universities. (Sec. 6) Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1997
Cancels provisions of H. Con. Res. 216, 104th Congress, that provide for restoration and placement of the Portrait Monument in the Rotunda of the Capitol for one year, its subsequent movement to a permanent site, and its replacement in the Rotunda by an alternative statue. Requires the commission established under such resolution to complete its assigned tasks within one year after adoption of this resolution. Expands commission membership to include four additional private citizens. Recognizes and congratulates the Woman Suffrage Statue Campaign, the Sojourner Truth Statue Campaign, and supporters for their educational efforts to acknowledge the contributions of Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Sojourner Truth to women's suffrage and to the abolitionist and women's movements.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1997
Hunger Has a Cure Act of 1997 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to provide for an annual price-indexed standard deduction adjustment (as of FY 2001). (Sec. 3) Revises maximum excess shelter deduction amounts and authorizes such amounts through FY 2001 (currently permanent). (Sec. 4) Provides for an annual price-indexed vehicle allowance adjustment. (Sec. 5) Revises work requirement provisions. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to reserve specified amounts for FY 1998 through 2002 employment and training programs. (Sec. 6) Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 to make legal immigrants who became disabled after U.S. entry and certain elderly and under-18 years of age legal immigrants eligible for the food stamp program (program). Extends program eligibility for refugees and asylees from five years to seven years. Repeals specified program attribution of (alien) sponsor income provisions. (Sec. 7) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) specified funds under the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 should be appropriated to provide FY 1998 short-term emergency food assistance; and (2) FY 1997 and 1998 appropriations for the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC) should meet case load demands. (Sec. 9) Amends the National School Lunch Act to: (1) increase lunch and supper reimbursement rates for the summer food service program for children; and (2) increase the number of meals and-or supplements available under the child and adult food care program. (Sec. 10) Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary to carry out school breakfast and summer feeding program outreach activities. Obligates specified Treasury funds for State start-up and expansion costs.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1997
Community Environmental Equity Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to define "covered substance" to mean hazardous contaminants, chemicals, materials, wastes, and substances listed, identified, or defined in specified laws or designated by the President. Prohibits any entity that handles, manages, treats, releases, disposes, stores, transports, or delivers covered substances from disproportionately exposing any individual or community, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, to any covered substance. Authorizes enforcement: (1) by denial or termination of authorization to handle, manage, etc., covered substances; (2) by any other means authorized by law; and (3) for entities receiving Federal financial assistance, through specified compliance provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1997
Expresses the commitment of the Members of the House of Representatives to the elimination of racism and to working tirelessly on behalf of justice and peace for all people.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth a special rule for the donation by a corporation, as a charitable deduction, of computer equipment and software, as well as related training, to elementary and secondary schools and to qualified organizations providing assistance to disabled individuals. Directs the Comptroller General to report concerning such deductions. Expresses the sense of the Congress that one of the main purposes of such enhanced charitable deduction is to encourage the donation of computer equipment and software to: (1) schools serving low income communities; (2) schools with budgets below applicable norms; and (3) schools with student test scores below the norm.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1997
Family Services Improvement Act of 1997 - Directs the President to designate a Federal Coordination Council composed of various specified cabinet secretaries and other Federal agency heads to perform a variety of specified functions for the stated purposes of: (1) removing Federal impediments to coordination of service delivery; (2) enabling more efficient use of Federal, State, and local resources through program coordination and reduction of regulation; (3) facilitating cooperation among and coordination of programs operated by State, local, and tribal governments and private, nonprofit organizations; (4) identifying at least ten qualified consortia of such organizations and State or local agencies that receive federally appropriated funds, together with representatives of specified services, to participate in a demonstration program to determine the benefits of specified accountability procedures; and (5) placing less emphasis in Federal service programs on measuring resources and procedures and more emphasis on accountability for achieving policy goals. Requires the Federal Coordination Council to submit to the Congress: (1) not later than one year after the designation of the Council, a report detailing any legislative encumbrances preventing the Council from carrying out its duties; and (2) not later than three years after the designation of the Council, a report detailing any regulations implemented as a result of the Council's findings.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1997
African Growth and Opportunity Act - Declares the support of the Congress for the economic self-reliance of Sub-Saharan African countries committed to economic and political reform, market incentives and private sector growth, eradication of poverty, and the importance of women to economic growth and development. (Sec. 4) Makes a sub-Saharan African country eligible to participate in programs, projects, or activities, or receive assistance or other benefits under this Act for a fiscal year only if the President determines, according to specified evidence, that it has established, or is making continual progress toward establishing, a market-based economy. Directs the President to monitor and review eligible sub-Saharan countries that are in need of making continual progress in meeting one or more of this Act's requirements. Makes ineligible to participate in programs or receive assistance or other benefits under this Act any countries that have not made progress in meeting such requirements. (Sec. 5) Expresses the sense of the Congress that sustained economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa depends upon the development of a receptive environment for trade and investment through the continued support by the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID) of programs that help to create this environment. Sets forth declarations of policy with respect to assistance provided to sub-Saharan Africa through the Development Fund for Africa and the African Development Foundation. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide: (1) additional program authorities to include assistance to promote democratization and strengthen conflict resolution; and (2) increased program flexibility through presidential waivers of certain requirements (except those for certain child survival activities). (Sec. 6) Directs the President to convene annual high-level meetings between U.S. Government officials and officials of the governments of sub-Saharan African countries to foster close economic ties between them. Directs the president to establish a United States-Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 7) Directs the President to develop a plan meeting certain requirements to enter into one or more trade agreements with certain eligible sub-Saharan African countries to establish a United States-Sub-Saharan Africa Free Trade Area. (Sec. 8) Expresses the sense of the Congress that reform of trade policies in sub-Saharan Africa that removes structural impediments to trade, consistent with the World Trade Organization (WTO), can lay the groundwork for sustained growth there in both textile and apparel exports. Directs the United States, pursuant to the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, to eliminate the existing quotas on textile and apparel exports to the United States from Kenya and Mauritius, provided they adopt a visa system to guard against the unlawful transshipment of such goods. Directs the President to: (1) continue the existing no quota policy for sub-Saharan African countries; and (2) report to the Congress on the growth in textiles and apparel exports to the United States from such countries in order to protect U.S. consumers, workers, and textile manufacturers from economic injury on account of the no quota policy. (Sec. 9) Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize the President to provide duty-free treatment for any non-import-sensitive article that is the growth, product, or manufacture of an eligible sub-Saharan African beneficiary developing country. Waives the competitive need limitation with respect to eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Extends duty-free treatment to sub- Saharan African beneficiary developing countries through May 31, 2007. (Sec. 10) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) specified international financial institutions and their programs are vital to the economic growth and development of sub-Saharan African countries; (2) the executive branch should extinguish concessional debt owed to the United States by the poorest sub-Saharan countries; and (3) the Congress supports the efforts of the executive branch to secure agreement from such institutions to maximize debt reduction for such countries as part of the multilateral initiative known as the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. Supports and encourages the implementation of specified initiatives through AID and the Trade Development Agency, including: (1) the formation of American-African business partnerships; (2) technical assistance to promote trade reforms; (3) agricultural market liberalization; (4) trade promotion; and (5) trade in services. (Sec. 11) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) should exercise its authorities to initiate two or more equity funds in support of projects in sub-Saharan African countries, particularly projects that expand opportunities for women entrepreneurs and employment for the poor. (Sec. 12) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to revise the composition of the Board of Directors of OPIC to require at least one of the eight presidentially-appointed Directors to have extensive private sector experience in sub-Saharan Africa. Directs the Board to increase financial assistance in sub-Saharan Africa. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to make similar changes with respect to the Export-Import Bank of the United States. (Sec. 13) Directs the President to establish the position of Assistant United States Trade Representative within the Office of the United States Trade Representative to focus on trade issues relating to sub-Saharan Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1997
Insular Fair Wage and Human Rights Act of 1997 - Amends Federal law to prohibit the affixation of the "Made in the USA" label to a textile fiber product from the Northern Mariana Islands unless: (1) each worker producing such product was paid a minimum wage equal to or greater than a specified amount; and (2) the product was manufactured in compliance with all Federal labor laws, including, but not limited to, the National Labor Relations Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, and the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. Applies to the Northern Mariana Islands: (1) the Immigration and Nationality Act; and (2) the minimum wage provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as modified by this Act. Requires a minimum wage through December 31, 1997, of $3.55 per hour, adjusted semiannually thereafter in $.50 increments until it equals the minimum wage required by the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. Requires a study of the extent of human and labor rights violations in the Northern Mariana Islands, which shall be included in the Secretary of the Interior's annual Federal-CNMI Initiative on Labor Immigration, and Law Enforcement report to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1997
Public Schools Renewal and Improvement Act of 1997 - Establishes a procedure by which a local schools consortium shall request, through the State Governor, a declaration by the President that a public schools renewal effort is underway in its community. Requires such request to: (1) include the three-year plan for public schools renewal and improvement; (2) describe the nature and amount of State and local resources which have been or will be committed to such renewal and improvement; and (3) certify that State or local government obligations and expenditures will comply with all applicable matching requirements established pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the President to: (1) make such a requested declaration; and (2) authorize the Department of Education and other Federal agencies to provide assistance under this Act. Requires the consortium to make annual: (1) amendments to the request to include additional initiatives and approaches to improve academic effectiveness and school safety; and (2) progress reports to the Secretary of Education. (Sec. 5) Sets forth required elements of such public schools renewal and improvement plans, including specification of certain adverse conditions and certain assurances. (Sec. 6) Authorizes the President to provide for various forms of allowable Federal assistance under this Act. Directs the Secretary to distribute such funds and resources. (Sec. 7) Sets forth requirements for use of such assistance for various student-targeted resources, classroom-focused school development, accountability reforms, and other, similar types of public school reforms. (Sec. 8) Allows such assistance to be provided for each of FY 1998 through 2000. (Sec. 9) Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on this Act's effectiveness. (Sec. 10) Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth matching requirements for States or localities, which the President may waive upon the Secretary's recommendation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1997
College Access and Affordability Act of 1997 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to extend and set forth the maximum Federal Pell Grant award for academic year 1998-1999 and each of the four succeeding academic years. Establishes a maximum Pell grant amount of $3,300 for academic year 1998-1999 which is lower than the maximum $4,500 for 1997-1998; and provides for incremental increases until $4,500 is reached as the maximum for academic year 2002-2003. (Sec. 2) Specifies sums that shall be available to the Secretary of Education annually to provide funds for such grants. Authorizes the Secretary, in case of insufficient funds to pay all such grants as specified, to reduce them by either a fixed or variable percentage reduction or by a fixed dollar reduction. (Sec. 3) Provides for forgiveness of student loans for those who do specified types of teaching service for certain periods. (Sec. 4) Makes any institution exempt from the cohort default rate trigger also exempt from administrative action by the Secretary based solely on such institution's cohort default rate under provisions appearing in the Code of Federal Regulations. (Sec. 5) Adjusts specified student aid need analysis formulas. Revises the income protection allowance (IPA) for dependent students and for independent students without dependents (other than a spouse). Permits updating IPA calculations to reflect inflation. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to recall to the Treasury from the reserve funds held by guaranty agencies specified minimum amounts in FY 1998 through 2002. Requires each guaranty agency to transfer all non-recalled reserve funds to a restricted account and invest them in U.S. Government securities specified by the Secretary. Prohibits a guaranty agency (except for FY 1998 operational expenses) from using any restricted account funds without the express permission of the Secretary. (Sec. 7) Provides borrowers under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program with certain extended and graduated repayment options currently available to Direct Loan program borrowers, including the option to change repayment plans. Directs the Secretary to ensure that the repayment plans offered to FFEL borrowers are comparable to Direct Loan repayment plans. (Sec. 8) Reduces the applicable interest rate on all subsidized and unsubsidized FFEL and Direct Loans during in-school, grace, and deferment periods to the same rate as the borrowing rate of the Department of Education, but retains current cap levels on such interest rates. (Sec. 9) Reduces the lenders' insurance rate from 98 to 95 percent. (Sec. 10) Eliminates the one percent insurance premium charged to a FFEL borrower at the time of loan origination on or after July 1, 1998. Reduces FFEL origination fees on subsidized FFELs. Reduces the loan fees charged on various types of subsidized and unsubsidized direct loans over a specified phaseout period. Prohibits the Secretary from charging borrowers origination fees on any direct loan made after the calendar year 2001. (Sec. 11) Revises the role of the guaranty agency in the FFEL program. Makes the Secretary the sole guarantor of FFELs. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with a guaranty agency to insure loans, with the guaranty agency acting as the Secretary's agent. Replaces outstanding loan insurance issued by the guaranty agency by loan insurance issued by the Secretary. Makes new guaranty agreements effective for five years, renewable by the Secretary for successive five-year periods, but terminable by the Secretary before expiration under certain circumstances. Authorizes the Secretary, after the initial agreement has ended, to enter into: (1) another agreement with that guaranty agency; (2) an alternate agreement with a different guaranty agency; or (3) one or more contracts under which contractors would carry out one or more of the functions formerly performed by the guaranty agency. Authorizes the Secretary to permit a guaranty agency to engage in other businesses, previously purchased or developed with reserve funds, that relate to the FFEL program. Provides that, under such agreements, guaranty agencies shall receive specified fees and revenues. Permits guaranty agencies to retain a share of their net revenues for activities in support of postsecondary education. Establishes fines for guaranty agencies that fail to achieve a specified level of performance on one or more performance standards. Grants an exemption to lenders with small FFEL portfolios, by requiring only eligible lenders that originate or hold more than $5 million in FFELs during an annual audit period to submit to compliance audit for that period. Requires an eligible lender to pay a guaranty agency, to which the lender referred a delinquent loan, a default prevention fee of up to $100 per borrower account if the agency succeeds in bringing such loan into current repayment status. (Sec. 12) Repeals the requirement that a State pay the Secretary an annual amount representing the State's share of risk for high default rates at institutions within the State. (Sec. 13) Revises certain requirements for FFEL consolidation loans. (Sec. 14) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into one or more contracts to carry out any of the functions that otherwise would be carried out by a guaranty agency. (Sec. 15) Revises the definition of an eligible lender to exclude lenders that do not offer uniform terms and conditions to all borrowers taking out the same type of FFEL loans. (Sec. 16) Requires computation of special allowance rates at the same time and in the same manner as student loan interest rates (annually rather than quarterly). (Sec. 17) Revises the formula for computation of the Student Loan Marketing Association (Sallie Mae) offset fee on loans it holds. (Sec. 18) Limits the payment of the direct loan transition fee to: (1) institutions or consortia in their first year of participation in the direct loan program; and (2) an amount not more than an average of $10 per borrower at such institutions. (Sec. 19) Authorizes funds through FY 2002 for mandatory administrative expenses for the student financial aid programs, including the direct loan program. (Sec. 20) Extends the FFEL program and certain other HEA title IV student assistance programs through FY 2002.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1997
Intercity Passenger Rail Trust Fund Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Treasury the Intercity Passenger Rail Trust Fund to finance qualified expenses of: (1) the National Railroad Passenger Corporation; and (2) non-Amtrak States.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1997
Disabled Children's Federal Assistance Protection Act - Amends Federal law to waive treatment of specified Supplemental Security Income (SSI) overpayments (under title XVI of the Social Security Act) as debt rendering certain disabled children ineligible for Federal loans and guarantees (thus preserving the eligibility of such children whose SSI benefits are terminated by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 but are continued pending final court action).
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Designation of Wilderness Areas Title II: Biological Connecting Corridors Title III: National Park and Preserve Studies Title IV: Wild and Scenic Rivers Designations Title V: National Wildland Restoration and Recovery System Title VI: Implementation and Monitoring Title VII: Rules of Construction Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act of 1997 - Title I: Designation of Wilderness Areas - Designates the following lands in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming as wilderness and components of the National Wilderness Preservation System (System): (1) Greater Glacier-Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem; (2) Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem; (3) Greater Salmon-Selway Ecosystem; (4) Greater Cabinet-Yaak-Selkirk Ecosystem; (5) Islands in the Sky Wilderness; and (6) Blackfeet Wilderness. (Sec. 109) Reserves, with respect to each wilderness area designated by this Act, a sufficient quantity of water to fulfill the area's designated purpose. Title II: Biological Connecting Corridors - Designates: (1) specified wild land areas as Biological Connecting Corridors (Corridors) to protect the life flow of the Northern Rockies Bioregion; (2) the inventoried roadless areas identified as part of the Corridors as components of the System; and (3) certain biological connecting corridors as special corridor management areas. Exempts specified roads and highways from provisions of this Act. Title III: National Park and Preserve Studies - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility of: (1) creating a Hells Canyon-Chief Joseph National Park and Preserve; (2) creating a Flathead National Park and Preserve; and (3) designating such areas as units of the National Park System. Requires the national park and preserve study areas to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture. Title IV: Wild and Scenic Rivers Designations - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate segments of specified rivers and creeks in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Title V: National Wildland Restoration and Recovery System - Establishes the National Wildland Restoration and Recovery System. Specifies component recovery areas. Requires the U.S. Forest Service, after recovery is achieved for a component area, to evaluate its suitability for inclusion in the System or for other consistent uses. Establishes the National Wildland Recovery Corps (as a special unit of the U.S. Forest Service) to carry out land recovery responsibilities. Requires the Corps to develop a wildland recovery plan for each area of the Recovery System, requiring each plan to take into account the specific conditions of the area. Authorizes appropriations. Title VI: Implementation and Monitoring - Requires the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to: (1) report to the Congress on implementation of this Act; (2) establish an interagency team to monitor, evaluate, and make recommendations to ensure long-term results required by this Act and to develop a geographic information system for monitoring the Northern Rockies Bioregion; and (3) establish a governmental review board to make recommendations to the Congress on legally restating and unifying the natural resource management mandates of Federal agencies. (Sec. 605) Requires the Secretaries to assure nonexclusive access to Wilderness areas, National Park and Preserve Study areas, Wildland Recovery areas, and Biological Corridors designated by this Act by Native Americans for traditional cultural and religious purposes. Requires the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to enter into cooperative management agreements with the appropriate Indian tribes to assure protection of religious, burial, and gathering sites, and to work cooperatively on the management of all uses in the protected areas that affect Indian lands and people. (Sec. 606) Requires the Secretaries to give particular emphasis to the preservation and protection of cultural resources located within the areas. Title VII: Rules of Construction - Provides that nothing in this Act may be construed as: (1) a relinquishment or reduction of any U.S.-secured water rights; (2) establishing a precedent with regard to any future designations, including wilderness designations; or (3) affecting any Indian treaty or right.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1997
Expresses the sense of the Congress that certain provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 relating to transportation of merchandise between U.S. points in other than domestically built or rebuilt and documented vessels and to incineration of hazardous waste at sea (those provisions popularly known as the Jones Act) and related statutes are critically important components of our Nation's economic and military security and should be fully and strongly supported.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendments to Existing Land Management Laws Title II: Protection for Northwest Ancient Forests, Roadless Areas, and Special Areas Act to Save America's Forests - Title I: Amendments to Existing Land Management Laws - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (National Forest System), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (public lands), the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (National Wildlife Refuge System), the National Indian Forest Resources Management Act (Indian lands), and Federal law relating to forest management on military lands to: (1) provide for native biodiversity conservation; and (2) restrict and prohibit certain logging practices. Title II: Protection for Northwest Ancient Forests, Roadless Areas, and Special Areas - Describes special areas as Federal forest land parcels possessing outstanding biological, scenic, recreational, or cultural values, exemplary on a regional or national level, which may not meet the definitions of Northwest Ancient Forests or roadless areas. Designates specified Special Areas which shall be subject to restrictions on road construction and logging in the following States: (1) Alabama; (2) Alaska; (3) Arizona; (4) Arkansas; (5) California; (6) Colorado; (7) Georgia; (8) Idaho; (9) Illinois; (10) Michigan; (11) Minnesota; (12) Missouri;(13) Montana; (14) New Mexico; (15) North Carolina; (16) Ohio; (17) Oklahoma; (18) Oregon; (19) South Carolina; (20) South Dakota; (21) Tennessee; (22) Texas; (23) Vermont; (24) Virginia; (25) Wisconsin; and (26) Wyoming. Provides for the appointment of a committee of scientists to recommend additional Special Areas. Restricts road construction and logging in Northwest Ancient Forests, Special Areas, and roadless areas on Federal lands.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997
Defense of the Environment Act of 1997 - Requires any report of a congressional committee or committee of conference accompanying a public bill or joint resolution that includes any provision that reduces environmental protection to contain: (1) an identification and description of the provision; (2) an assessment of the extent of such reduction; (3) a description of any actions to avoid such reduction; and (4) any statement received from the Comptroller General, upon request of the committee or a majority of either the minority or majority members of the committee, assessing the reduction. Deems a provision to reduce environmental protection if it may: (1) allow increased pollution; (2) adversely affect the environmental quality of public lands or diminish protection of species that may be endangered; (3) increase children's exposure to environmental contaminants and other environmental risks; or (4) have the effect of shielding environmental law violators or limiting judicial review of agency action under authority of any environmental law. Provides for consultation and assistance of the Comptroller General at the request of any committee. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to ensure that each Federal agency: (1) collects and catalogs available information that would assist in assessing whether any bill, joint resolution, amendment, or conference report provision would reduce environmental protection; (2) facilitates the availability of such information for Congress' use; and (3) makes such information readily available to the Comptroller General for purposes of fulfilling the assessment and consultation duties described above. Requires such information to be made publicly available. Makes out of order in the House of Representatives and the Senate the consideration of any reported bill or joint resolution, or conference report, unless the committee has complied with the identification and assessment provisions of this Act. Makes any rule waiving these provisions out of order in the House. Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives with respect to the consideration and striking of provisions reducing environmental protection within the meaning of this Act. Provides Senate procedures for the striking of such provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Division A: Employment, Training, and Literacy Programs Title I: Amendments to General Provisions and Program Requirements Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: State and Local Administrative Provisions Subtitle C: Program and Fiscal Provisions Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions Title II: Amendments to Employment and Training Programs for Disadvantaged Youth Title III: Amendments to Employment and Training Programs for Adults Title IV: Amendments to Federally Administered Programs Subtitle A: Employment and Training Programs for Native Americans and Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers Subtitle B: Job Corps Subtitle C: National Activities Subtitle D: Repealers Title V: Amendments to Adult Education Programs Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions Title VII: Amendments to State Human Resource Investment Council Title VIII: Amendments to Wagner-Peyser Act Title IX: Technical and Conforming Amendments Subtitle A: Amendments to the Job Training Partnership Act Subtitle B: Amendments to Other Acts Title X: Effective Date and Transition Provisions Division B: Vocational Rehabilitation Programs Title XXI: Amendments to General Provisions Title XXII: Amendments to Vocational Rehabilitation Services Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Basic Vocational Rehabilitation Services Title XXIII: Amendments to Research and Training Title XXIV: Amendments to Training and Demonstration Projects Subtitle A: Training Programs and Community Rehabilitation Programs Subtitle B: Special Projects and Supplementary Services Title XXV: Amendments to National Council on Disability Title XXVI: Amendments to Rights and Advocacy Title XXVII: Amendments to Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Title XXVIII: Amendments to Independent Living Services and Centers for Independent Living Title XXIX: Repeal of Special Demonstrations and Training Projects Title XXX: Effective Date Employment, Training, and Literacy Enhancement Act of 1997 - Division A: Employment, Training, and Literacy Programs - Title I: Amendments to General Provisions and Program Requirements - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Amends the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to extend through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for various JTPA programs. Subtitle B: State and Local Administrative Provisions - Requires State Governors to establish a collaborative process, including representatives of the State legislature, State agencies, local governments, education and training experts, business leaders, and labor representatives, to develop: (1) a single State plan for the three new block grants under this Act and for Wagner-Peyser Act programs; (2) a performance measurement system for the three block grant programs; and (3) criteria for the statewide full-service employment and training delivery system, designation of local workforce development areas, and appointment of local workforce development boards. (Sec. 112) Requires establishment of local Workforce Development Boards (replacing the Private Industry Councils which currently run local programs). Requires such boards to: (1) provide policy guidance and oversight over local systems (rather than directly run programs); and (2) establish local full service employment and training delivery systems to be easily accessible, single points of entry into the employment and training system. Requires selection of service providers eligible to provide training services under the Adult Employment and Training Block Grant. Subtitle C: Program and Fiscal Provisions - Chapter 1: General Provisions - Revises JTPA general program requirements as well as requirements for trainee or employee benefits, labor standards, grievance procedures, identification of additional imposed requirements, authority of State legislatures, and interstate agreements. Chapter 2: Performance Accountability Provisions - Requires each State receiving JTPA funds to implement a statewide performance accountability system with negotiated benchmarks, including core indicators of performance, performance reports, incentive grants, and sanctions. Chapter 3: Other Provisions - Revises JTPA requirements relating to: (1) data for prompt allocation of funds; (2) fiscal controls and sanctions; (3) reports, recordkeeping, and investigations; (4) administrative adjudication; (5) nondiscrimination; and (6) administrative provisions. Repeals specified provisions relating to: (1) judicial review; (2) Presidential awards for outstanding private sector involvement in job training programs; and (3) construction of certain JTPA provisions. Establishes limits on certain administrative costs. Subtitle D: Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals specified JTPA provisions, including certain criminal provisions. Title II: Amendments to Employment and Training Programs for Disadvantaged Youth - Consolidates: (1) adult training programs with those for disadvantages workers under a new title III; and (2) summer youth employment and training programs with year-round youth training programs into a new title II disadvantaged youth employment and training opportunities block grants program. (Sec. 203) Revises requirements for the allotment of funds within States. Provides for allocation of funds to local areas under a State-determined formula developed through the collaborative process. Sets forth individual eligibility requirements. Gives service priority to individuals who, in addition to being economically disadvantaged, are determined to be hard to serve, including school dropouts. Requires the use of disadvantaged youth program funds for specified activities, including: (1) assessments and service strategies for participants; (2) integration of academic, occupational, and work-based learning; (3) comprehensive guidance and counseling; (4) postsecondary education and training opportunities, where appropriate; (5) involvement of employers and parents in program design and implementation; and (6) adult mentoring. Authorizes use of program funds for: (1) direct training services; (2) tutoring and study skills training; (3) instruction leading to completion of high school or the equivalent; (4) alternative high school services; (5) paid and unpaid work experience, including summer employment opportunities, which are directly linked to academic, occupational, and work-based learning; (6) mentoring; (7) training-related supportive services; (8) peer-centered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social behaviors during non-school hours; and (9) other locally determined appropriate training and transition services that assist disadvantaged youth make the transition to employment. Title III: Amendments to Employment and Training Programs for Adults - Consolidates the current dislocated worker grant program and economically disadvantaged adult training program, as well as various other training programs for adults, into an adult employment and training opportunities block grant program for all adults. Provides for allocation of funds, under both the adult and dislocated worker funding streams, to local workforce development areas based upon State-determined formulas developed through the collaborative process. Makes such funds available to local workforce development areas for establishing full-service employment and training delivery, and for providing core, intensive, and training (as well as supportive) services for adults and for dislocated workers. (Sec. 301) Allows individuals to receive further training beyond core services if: (1) they are unable, through core services, to obtain initial employment, or employment that will lead to self-sufficiency; and (2) they have been determined, after an interview, evaluation, or assessment and counseling, to be in need of training services. Requires, under the adult funding stream, that priority for intensive and training services be given to welfare recipients and other economically disadvantaged individuals with multiple barriers to employment. Requires provision (except in certain circumstances) of training services for adults: (1) through service delivery methods that maximize consumer choice in the selection of eligible training service providers; and (2) through the use of skill grants distributed through the full-service employment and training delivery system. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to award national emergency grants to: (1) certain entities to provide employment and training to workers in areas affected by major economic dislocations; and (2) State Governors to provide disaster relief employment assistance to areas that have suffered specified emergencies and disasters. Authorizes the award of grants, also, to assist projects that provide training to upgrade the skill of employed workers who reside and are employed in enterprise zones or empowerment communities. Title IV: Amendments to Federally Administered Programs - Programs - Subtitle A: Employment and Training Programs for Native Americans and Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers - Revises JTPA employment and training programs for Native Americans. Requires eligible Indian tribal, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian entities to submit program plans to the Secretary for grant and contract assistance. Eliminates the Native American Employment and Training Council. Allows entities receiving such assistance to consolidate it with assistance received from related programs in accordance with the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act of 1992. (Sec. 402) Revises JTPA employment and training programs for migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Requires eligible entities to submit program plans to the Secretary for grant and contract assistance. Directs the Secretary to consult with State Governors and local boards in making such grants and contracts. Subtitle B: Job Corps - Revises JTPA Job Corps provisions relating to: (1) individual eligibility; (2) screening and selection of applicants; (3) Job Corps centers; (4) standards of conduct; (5) counseling and job placement; and (6) experimental and developmental projects and coordination with other programs. Subtitle C: National Activities - Revises JTPA with respect to research, demonstration, evaluation, and capacity building, including: (1) national partnerships and special training; (2) technical assistance, dissemination, and replication activities; and (3) incentive grants. (Sec. 422) Repeals the mandate for a nontraditional employment demonstration program. Subtitle D: Repealers - Repeals JTPA provisions for: (1) the National Commission on Employment Policy; (2) training to fulfill affirmative action obligations; (3) the Youth Fair Chance Program; (4) the Microenterprise Grants Program; and (5) disaster relief employment assistance (while making provisions for such disaster assistance under title III). Title V: Amendments to Adult Education Programs - Consolidates various adult education and literacy programs into a block grant program. Requires program funds distributed through the States to local adult education providers to be used to provide adult education and family literacy services to qualifying adults. Establishes a framework to ensure that adult education programs are aligned with job training programs. (Sec. 501) Repeals authority for the current Jobs for Employable Dependent Individuals Incentive Bonus Program. (Sec. 502) Adult Education and Family Literacy Act - Establishes a new JTPA title V, Adult Education Programs, to be cited as the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA), by transferring a renamed and revised Adult Education Act from the Elementary and Secondary Education Amendments of 1996. Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations under AEFLA. Revises provisions for grants to eligible agencies, including initial and additional allotments, fund uses, competitive grant requirements, and adult education and literacy activities. Directs eligible agencies to require local providers to use their competitive grant funds for one or more programs in one or more of these categories: (1) adult education and literacy services; (2) family literacy services; and (3) English literacy programs. Sets forth fiscal requirements and restrictions on uses of funds. Revises provisions for: (1) the National Institute for Literacy (NIL); (2) NIL's authority to make certain grants, contracts, agreements, and literacy leadership fellowships; (3) an NIL Advisory Board; and (4) NIL funding from the Secretaries of Education, Labor, and Health and Human Services. Directs the Secretary of Education to carry out a program of national leadership activities to enhance the quality of adult education and family literacy programs nationwide. (Sec. 503) Repeals the National Literacy Act of 1991. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals JTPA provisions relating to specified amendments to: (1) the Wagner-Peyser Act; and (2) the Social Security Act, regarding certain required training and employment services and regarding an earnings disregard. Title VII: Amendments to State Human Resource Investment Council - Revises JTPA provisions for State Human Resource Investment Councils. Title VIII: Amendments to Wagner-Peyser Act - Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act with respect to: (1) functions of the Secretary of Labor; (2) designation of State agencies; (3) disposition of allotted funds; and (4) State plans. Repeals the mandate for a Federal advisory council. Requires the provision of all job search, placement, recruitment, labor market information, and other authorized labor exchange services as part of the full service employment and training delivery system established by the State. Title IX: Technical and Conforming Amendments - Subtitle A: Amendments to the Job Training Partnership Act - Renames JTPA as the Employment, Training, and Literacy Enhancement Act, and makes various technical and conforming amendments. Subtitle B: Amendments to Other Acts - Makes technical and conforming amendments to other specified Federal laws. Title X: Effective Date and Transition Provisions - Sets forth an effective date and transition provisions for Division A of this Act. Division B: Vocational Rehabilitation Programs - Title XXI: Amendments to General Provisions - Revises Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (RA) general provisions, including those relating to the Rehabilitation Services Administration. Title XXII: Amendments to Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for grants to States for basic vocational rehabilitation services. Revises provisions relating to: (1) State plans; (2) individualized written rehabilitation programs; (3) scope of vocational rehabilitation services; (4) State Rehabilitation Advisory Councils; (5) evaluation standards and performance indicators; and (6) monitoring and review. Subtitle B: Basic Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Extends through FY 2000 the reservation of funds from State allotments for American Indian vocational rehabilitation services. (Sec. 2213) Extends through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for the client assistance program. Title XXIII: Amendments to Research and Training - Extends through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research and the Rehabilitation Research Advisory Council; and (2) specified research programs and centers. Repeals the mandate for a Deputy Director of the Institute, and the authority to appoint technical and professional employees. Title XXIV: Amendments to Training and Demonstration Projects - Subtitle A: Training Programs and Community Rehabilitation Programs - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for various training programs. Repeals the mandate for grants for career advancement and competency-based training. (Sec. 2232) Repeals specified RA provisions for: (1) certain grants and contracts for vocational rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities; (2) loan guarantees for community rehabilitation programs; (3) comprehensive rehabilitation centers; and (4) general grant and contract requirements. (Sec. 2233) Extends through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for Special Projects and Supplementary Services (sic). Subtitle B: Special Projects and Supplementary Service s - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) special demonstration programs; (2) migratory workers programs; and (3) special recreational programs. Repeals RA provisions for: (1) transitional planning services for youth with severe disabilities; and (2) educational and vocational rehabilitation projects for individuals who are low-functioning and deaf or hard-of-hearing. Title XXV: Amendments to National Council on Disability - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for the National Council on Disability. Title XXVI: Amendments to Rights and Advocacy - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations to support a system in each State to protect the legal and human rights of individuals with disabilities who: (1) need services beyond the scope of those under the client assistance program; and (2) are ineligible for protection and advocacy programs under specified Acts. Title XXVII: Amendments to Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) projects with industry; and (2) supported employment services for individuals with disabilities. (Sec. 2272) Repeals RA provisions for: (1) community service pilot programs for individuals with disabilities; and (2) business opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Title XXVIII: Amendments to Independent Living Services and Centers for Independent Living - Amends RA to extend through FY 2000 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) independent living services, and centers for independent living, for individuals with disabilities; and (2) independent living services for older individuals who are blind. Title XXIX: Repeal of Special Demonstrations and Training Projects - Repeals RA provisions for special demonstrations and training projects. Title XXX: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date for Division B of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997
Savings Are Vital to Everyone's Retirement Act of 1997 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to direct the Secretary of Labor to maintain an ongoing program of outreach to the public to promote effectively retirement income savings by workers, through: (1) public service announcements; (2) public meetings; (3) educational materials; and (4) a permanent site on the Internet. Includes among the information to be disseminated through such program: (1) a description of the common types of retirement income savings arrangements available to both individuals and employers, including small businesses; (2) a means for individuals to calculate their estimated retirement savings needs; and (3) an explanation for employers of how to establish and maintain different retirement savings arrangements for their workers. Directs the President to convene a National Summit on Retirement Savings, no later than June 1, 1998, and again in September 2001 and September 2005. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Early Learning and Opportunity Grants Title II: Amendment to Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Title III: Amendment to Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 Title IV: Amendments to the Head Start Act Early Learning and Opportunity Act of 1997 - Title I: Early Learning and Opportunity Grants - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to eligible States to improve the quality and increase the availability of child care services, and of family support services, for families with children less than three years of age. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a voluntary model training program for employees of child care providers; (2) make available to Head Start agencies and child care providers the code developed for such model training program; and (3) provide technical assistance to such agencies and providers to implement it. (Sec. 105) Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Amendment to Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include imported property income (except for foreign oil and gas related income, or property subsequently exported) as foreign base company income in the gross income of a U.S. shareholder of a controlled foreign corporation. Title III: Amendment to Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to extend its coverage to employers with more than 20 employees (current law applies only to employers with more than 50 employees). Title IV: Amendment to the Head Start Act - Amends the Head Start Act to extend the authorization of appropriations. (Sec. 402) Revises a formula for allotment of certain training and technical assistance funds under such Act. Increases the amount of funds reserved for services to families with children less than three years of age (programs for families with infants and toddlers).
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income (under the qualified scholarship provisions) certain amounts provided by an employer to the child of an employee.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1997
Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to qualified State tuition programs to, among other things: (1) provide for the exclusion from gross income of distributions used for qualified higher education expenses; (2) include room and board in the definition of qualified higher education expenses; and (3) permit income from redeemed U.S. savings bonds to be used to contribute, without including such income in gross income (subject to income limitations), to a qualified State tuition program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1997
Authorizes the President to present on behalf of the Congress a gold medal to Rachel Robinson and other family of the late Jack Roosevelt Robinson in recognition of his contributions to racial equality, athletics, business, and charitable causes. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike bronze duplicates of such gold medal.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1997
American Family Privacy Act of 1997 - Prohibits a Federal officer or employee from making available a social security account statement (or information contained in such a statement), a personal earnings and benefits estimate statement (or information contained in such a statement), a tax return, or tax return information of an individual: (1) through the Internet; or (2) without the individual's written consent, to a member of the public. Establishes the Commission on Privacy of Government Records to investigate: (1) the protection and privacy afforded by the Federal Government to the tax information (including any tax return and tax return information), social security information (including any social security account statement and personal earnings and benefits estimate statement), and other personal and confidential information with respect to individuals contained in Government records and documents; and (2) procedures and mechanisms through which an individual may be provided access to such information with respect to the individual without jeopardizing the individual's privacy.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1997
Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1997 - Revises the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to instruct the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to: (1) develop and operate a repository for the permanent geologic disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste; (2) accept spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste by no later than January 31, 2000; (3) provide for the transportation of such wastes; and (4) pursue expeditiously the development of each component of the integrated management system. Requires intermodal transfer (rail-to-heavy-haul-truck) of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste pending direct rail access to the interim storage facility site. Sets a deadline for the Secretary to develop the capability to commence rail to truck intermodal transfer at Caliente, Nevada. Provides for heavy-haul transportation route and truck transportation. Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Caliente and Lincoln County, Nevada, to provide advice to the Commission regarding intermodal transfer and to facilitate on-site representation. Subjects the Secretary's movement of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste by heavy-haul transport route to the exclusive regulatory purview of the Secretary of Transportation and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Prescribes transportation planning, package certification, technical assistance, interim storage facility, permanent disposal, land withdrawal, and private storage facility requirements to ensure that the Secretary is able to accept spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste by January 31, 2000, and transport it to mainline transportation facilities. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) offer Nye County, Nevada an opportunity to designate an on-site oversight representative; and (2) offer to enter into separate benefits agreements with Lincoln and Nye Counties concerning the integrated management system. Requires the Secretary to make certain initial land conveyances to Nye County. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with any person holding title to or generating or holding title to spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste of domestic origin for the acceptance of title, and possession, transportation, interim storage, and disposal. Requires the Secretary to determine the level of an annual fee for electricity generated and sold by each civilian nuclear power reactor. Permits the Secretary to make expenditures from the Nuclear Waste Fund in the event of a shortfall. Delineates budget priorities in the event of such shortfall. Requires the NRC to suspend the license of any licensee who fails or refuses to pay the currently required one-time fee on spent nuclear fuel, or high-level radioactive waste derived from it, and used to generate electricity in a civilian nuclear power reactor before April 7, 1983. Provides that payment of the one-time fee relieves the responsible party from further financial obligation to the Federal Government for its long-term storage or permanent disposal. Authorizes the NRC to require prior agreement with the Secretary for spent fuel and waste disposal as a precondition to the issuance or renewal of a license. Continues the Nuclear Waste Fund and the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management. Directs the Secretary to: (1) issue a final rule establishing the appropriate portion of the costs of managing spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste allocable to the interim storage or permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuel, high-level radioactive waste from atomic energy defense activities, and spent nuclear fuel from foreign research reactors; and (2) advise the Congress annually of the amount of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel from atomic energy defense activities requiring management in the integrated spent nuclear fuel management system. Grants the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and this Act preeminence in the event of a conflict or duplication of laws. Precludes this Act from being construed as: (1) constituting either an express or implied Federal reservation of water rights for any purpose arising under it; (2) authorizing the Federal use of eminent domain to acquire water rights; or (3) limiting the exercise of water rights as provided under Nevada State laws. Grants the U.S. courts of appeals original and exclusive jurisdiction over civil actions under this Act. Prescribes guidelines for NRC licensing hearings. Prohibits the Secretary from conducting site-specific activities for a second repository unless the Congress has specifically authorized and appropriated funds for them. Requires the NRC to promulgate regulatory guidelines for: (1) financial assurances for low-level radioactive waste site closures; and (2) training and qualification of civilian nuclear powerplant personnel. Delineates an acceptance schedule for contract holders' spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. Prohibits: (1) subseabed or ocean water disposal of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste; and (2) any obligation of funds for any such related activity. Continues the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to take necessary action to improve the management of the civilian radioactive waste management program to ensure that it is operated to the maximum extent like a private business. Directs the Secretary to employ, on an on-going basis, integrated performance modeling regarding site characterization.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Child Labor Free Labeling Standards Title II: Child Labor Free Commission Title III: Recognition of Exemplary Corporate Efforts Title IV: Definitions Child Labor Free Consumer Information Act of 1997 - Title I: Child Labor Free Labeling Standards - Directs the Secretary of Labor to issue regulations to ensure that a label using any term or symbol denying the use of child labor does not make a false statement or suggestion that the article or section of wearing apparel or sporting good was not made with child labor. Requires such standards to encourage the use of an easily identifiable symbol or term indicating that the article or section of wearing apparel or sporting good was not made with child labor. (Sec. 101) Requires a producer, importer, exporter, distributor, or other person intending to use any such label to notify the Child Labor Free Commission (CLFC, established under title II of this Act) specified source information. Requires the Commission to review the notification and inform the Secretary, whose permission is required for use of such label. Authorizes the Secretary to charge a fee to cover the CLFC's notification review expenses. Makes it a violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA) for any producer, importer, exporter, distributor, or seller of any article or section of wearing apparel or sporting good that is exported from or offered for sale in the United States to falsely indicate on the label or the packaging, or in the advertising, or otherwise falsely claim or suggest, that the item was not made with child labor. Amends FTCA to prescribe civil penalties for such violations. Establishes in the Treasury the Free the Children Fund for receipt of such penalties. Authorizes annual appropriations from the Fund for educational and other programs to eliminate child labor. Authorizes the CLFC to: (1) develop labeling standards similar to the labeling standards developed for any industry that is not otherwise covered under this Act; and (2) recommend their promulgation to the Secretary, so that this Act and the FTCA shall also apply to the labeling covered by those standards. (Sec. 102) Directs the CLFC to assist the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by reviewing petitions alleging violations of the labeling standards under this Act. Provides, on the basis of CLFC violation reports, for: (1) the Secretary's temporary withdrawal of permission to use such labels; and (2) the FTC's issuance of cease and desist orders. Title II: Child Labor Free Commission - Establishes the Child Labor Free Commission (CLFC) to: (1) assist the Secretary in developing child labor free labeling standards, and in developing and implementing a compliance system; and (2) commence developing an easily identifiable labeling standard that the Secretary of Labor may issue to encourage the use of voluntary labels informing consumers that an article of wearing apparel or sporting good was made without the use of sweatshop or exploited adult labor. Title III: Recognition of Exemplary Corporate Efforts - Directs the Secretary to: (1) report annually on companies making exemplary progress in ensuring that products they make, sell, or distribute are not made with abusive and exploitative child labor; and (2) develop and implement, with the CLFC, other methods of recognizing such exemplary company programs. Title IV: Definitions - Defines child as an individual who has not attained the age of: (1) 15 years, as measured by the Julian calendar; or (2) 14 such years, for a resident of a country that, by law, so defines a child.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1997
Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate a program for the conduct and support of research and training regarding Parkinson's disease. Directs the Director of the National Institutes of Health to provide for coordination of the program among all the national research institutes conducting Parkinson's research. Requires coordination to include the convening of a research planning conference at least once every two years. Provides for each such conference to prepare and submit to certain congressional committees a report concerning the conference. Requires Core Center Grants to encourage the development of innovative multidisciplinary research and provide training concerning Parkinson's, designating each grant recipient as a Morris K. Udall Center for Research on Parkinson's Disease. Establishes a grant program to support investigators with a proven record of excellence and innovation in Parkinson's research and who demonstrate potential for significant breakthroughs in the understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of Parkinson's. Limits the availability of grants for a period not to exceed five years. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1997
Post Office Relocation Act of 1997 - Modifies Federal postal provisions to require a 60-day notice before the renovation, relocation, closing, or consolidation (currently, the closing or consolidation) of a post office. Requires such notice to be: (1) hand delivered or delivered by mail; and (2) published in one or more newspapers of general circulation within the zip codes served by such post office. Sets forth provisions which: (1) allow any person served by the post office to offer an alternative renovation, relocation, consolidation, or closing proposal within such 60-day period; and (2) require the Postal Service to conduct a hearing to allow the individual to present oral or written testimony. Revises the factors to be considered in deciding whether or not to renovate, relocate, close, or consolidate a post office to include: (1) the extent to which the post office is part of a core downtown business area; (2) the sentiment of the community; (3) whether postal officials negotiated with persons served; (4) whether management of the post office contributed to a desire to relocate; and (5) the adequacy of the existing post office. Requires the Postal Service to follow a community's public participation procedures to address the renovation, relocation, closing, or consolidation of buildings in the community if participation requirements of such procedures are more stringent than those provided in this Act. Requires the Postal Service, in making a determination to renovate, relocate, close, or consolidate any post office, to comply with any zoning, planning, or land use regulations or building codes applicable to State or local public entities, including the zoning authority of the local jurisdiction. Includes within the Postal Service policy with respect to planning and building new postal facilities that the Service consider the effect a new facility may have on the community.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1997
Equal Protection School Finance Act - Provides for a system to help equalize funding for education within States. Makes a State ineligible for Federal funds administered by the Department of Education to support elementary and secondary education unless the coefficient of variation of per pupil expenditures in local educational agencies statewide for elementary and secondary education is greater than ten percent. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to provide such funding to a noncompliant State if that State submits a plan which the Secretary determines will bring the State into compliance within five years. Sets forth procedures for compliance reporting, certification, and challenges. Directs the Secretary to reallocate to compliant States, and States developing or implementing compliance plans, any funds that are not distributed to noncompliant States.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Programs Regarding Prevention of HIV Infection Title II: Preventive Health Programs Regarding Women and HIV Infection Title III: General Provisions William A. Bailey Comprehensive HIV Prevention Act of 1997 - Title I: General Programs Regarding Prevention of HIV Infection - Amends the Public Healht Service Act to replace title XXV (Prevention of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) with a new title (Prevention of HIV Infection). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to plan, coordinate, and evaluate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection prevention activities of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Indian Health Service, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (designated agencies). Directs the Secretary to establish the Secretary's Advisory Council on HIV Prevention. Mandates, for each designated agency, a comprehensive plan and certain implementation activities regarding the conduct and support of all HIV prevention activities. Requires annual budget requests by the Secretary and each designated agency. Requires each designated agency (except NIH) to establish an office to carry out HIV prevention activities. Requires that the remainder of this title be carried out through the CDCP. Authorizes HIV epidemiology and surveillance activities. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes financial assistance to health departments of States and subdivisions for HIV prevention projects in communities of at-risk individuals. Mandates local and statewide HIV community planning groups. Allows use of assistance for: (1) certain counseling and testing; and (2) counseling and treatment for any victim of a crime involving force or the threat of force to compel sexual activity. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary, directly or through financial assistance, to carry out HIV public education. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes HIV prevention activities regarding specific populations identified by the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes HIV prevention activities regarding adolescents, including through school-based programs. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes, directly or through financial assistance, the conduct of HIV prevention research and the carrying out of demonstration projects. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes, directly or through financial assistance, HIV prevention activities in addition to those specified above in this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Preventive Health Programs Regarding Women and HIV Infection - Women and HIV Outreach and Prevention Act - Amends Public Health Service Act provisions (as amended by title I of this Act) relating to the CDCP to authorize grants, with regard to women (and their partners) and HIV, for preventive health services, referrals, follow-ups, outreach, and training on the effective provision of such services. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes grants to provide HIV prevention education to women. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts to provide: (1) substance abuse treatment to women; (2) counseling to women who engage in substance abuse on the prevention of infection with, and the transmission of, the etiologic agent for AIDS; and (3) such counseling to women who are the partners of individuals who abuse substances. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes appropriations for grants under existing provisions to provide early intervention services for women and related technical assistance. Title III: General Provisions - Authorizes technical assistance to applicants and recipients under provisions of this Act relating to the CDCP.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1997
Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 1997 - Provides collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by States or local governments. Requires States to grant public safety employees the right to form and join a labor organization which excludes management and supervisory employees, and which is, or seeks to be, recognized as the exclusive bargaining agent for such employees. Specifies related requirements for public safety employers. Requires the Director the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) to issue regulations establishing collective bargaining procedures for public safety employers and employees in States that fail to comply with the requirements of this Act. Gives the FMCS the same authority as a State Labor Relations Board (or of the National Labor Relations Board where no such State Board exists) for public safety employers and employees covered by this Act. Grants a public safety employer, employee, or labor organization the right to seek enforcement of such regulations through appropriate State courts. Prohibits public safety employers, employees, and labor organizations from engaging in lockouts or strikes. Provides that existing collective bargaining units and agreements shall not be invalidated by this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Establishment of a State-Based American Health Security Program; Universal Entitlement; Enrollment Title II: Comprehensive Benefits, Including Preventive Benefits and Benefits for Long Term Care Title III: Provider Participation Title IV: Administration Subtitle A: General Administrative Provisions Subtitle B: Control Over Fraud and Abuse Title V: Quality Assessment Title VI: National Health Security Budget; Payments; Cost Containment Measures Subtitle A: Budgeting and Payments to States Subtitle B: Payments by States to Providers Subtitle C: Mandatory Assignment and Administrative Provisions Title VII: Promotion of Primary Health Care; Development of Health Service Capacity; Programs to Assist the Medically Underserved Subtitle A: Promotion and Expansion of Primary Care Professional Training Subtitle B: Direct Health Care Delivery Subtitle C: Primary Care and Outcomes Research Subtitle D: School-Related Health Services Title VIII: Financing Provisions; American Health Security Trust Fund Subtitle A: American Health Security Trust Fund Subtitle B: Taxes Based on Income and Wages Subtitle C: Increase in Excise Taxes on Tobacco Products Title IX: Conforming Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 Title X: Additional Conforming Amendments American Health Security Act of 1997 - Title I: Establishment of a State-Based American Health Security Program; Universal Entitlement; Enrollment - Establishes the American Health Security Program (AHSP), to be administered by the States. Requires a State to establish a State health security program (program) to receive Federal health care funding. (Sec. 102) Entitles every individual who is a U.S. resident and is a U.S. citizen or national or a lawful resident alien to benefits. (Sec. 103) Requires each State program to provide an enrollment mechanism and issue a health security card to each enrollee. (Sec. 104) Makes benefits portable. Prohibits a minimum residence or waiting period in excess of a specified period. Allows reciprocal arrangements for coverage of border region enrollees. (Sec. 106) Supersedes titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program, and the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS). Title II: Comprehensive Benefits, Including Preventive Benefits and Benefits for Long Term Care - Entitles all eligible individuals to payment items and services specified by the American Health Security Standards Board (Board) (established by title IV of this Act). Prohibits: (1) deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments for acute care and preventive benefits, subject to exception; (2) providers from charging a patient for covered services; and (3) duplicative private insurance. (Sec. 203) Covers a percentage of home and community-based long-term care services. (Sec. 204) Sets forth special delivery requirements for mental health and substance abuse treatment services provided to at-risk children. Directs the Board to make national determinations on coverage of experimental services. Title III: Provider Participation - Requires providers, to receive payment, to agree: (1) not to discriminate based on race, national origin, income, religion, age, sex or sexual orientation, disability, handicapping condition, or (subject to the qualifications of the provider) illness; (2) not to charge patients for covered services; (3) to furnish necessary information to the Board or program; (4) not to employ excluded providers; and (5) to submit bills within a specified time. (Sec. 302) Considers a health care provider to be qualified if the provider is licensed or certified and meets State law requirements, Federal requirements, and additional standards specified by the Board. Requires: (1) establishment of national minimum quality assurance standards and related monitoring; and (2) an exchange of information among programs regarding quality assurance and cost containment. (Sec. 303) Defines a "comprehensive health service organization" (CHSO) as a public or private organization that, in return for a capitated payment, furnishes or arranges for a full range of health services and out-of-area coverage for urgently needed services. Regulates CHSOs. (Sec. 304) Extends current Medicare prohibitions on physician self-referrals and applies the prohibitions to AHSP. Title IV: Administration - Subtitle A: General Administrative Provisions - Establishes the American Health Security Standards Board to develop policies and procedures for enrollment, benefits, provider participation, national and State funding levels, assisting programs with planning for capital expenditures and service delivery, and other functions. Mandates uniform reporting standards. (Sec. 402) Mandates an American Health Security Advisory Council. (Sec. 404) Requires: (1) each State to submit a plan for a program for providing health care services to residents; (2) the Board to provide States incentives to develop regional planning mechanisms; (3) State programs to meet Federal standards; and (4) each State to appoint a State Health Security Advisory Council. Allows: (1) programs not meeting Federal requirements to be placed in receivership; and (2) States to use fiscal agents to process claims. Subtitle B: Control Over Fraud and Abuse - Authorizes provider exclusion, civil monetary penalties, and criminal prosecution for fraud or abuse, based on current Medicaid standards. (Sec. 412) Requires each program to establish and maintain a health care fraud and abuse unit. Title V: Quality Assessment - Establishes the American Health Security Quality Council. (Sec. 502) Mandates: (1) methods for profiling practice patterns and for identifying those with quality deficiencies; (2) guidelines for procedures performed only at tertiary centers; and (3) standards for education and sanctions regarding those with quality deficiencies. (Sec. 503) Requires each participating State to establish an entity to conduct quality reviews. (Sec. 504) Expresses the intent to replace random utilization controls with a systematic review of patterns of practice. Supersedes all existing Federal utilization review programs. Title VI: Health Security Budget; Payments; Cost Containment Measures - Subtitle A: Budgeting and Payments to States - Directs the Board to establish a national health security budget specifying the total expenditures to be made by the Federal Government and the States for covered health care services. (Sec. 602) Provides for the allocation of funds in the budget by the Board to the States. (Sec. 604) Provides for programs to receive Federal funds equal to a weighted average of a specified percentage of their population-based share of the budget. (Sec. 605) Requires each program to establish a separate budget account for health professional education expenditures. Subtitle B: Payments by States to Providers - Directs that: (1) payment for operating expenses for institutional and facility-based care under State programs be made directly to each institution or facility; and (2) facility budgets be adjusted to reflect payments made by CHSOs. Allows programs to permit institutions and facilities to raise funds from private sources for specified purposes. (Sec. 612) Requires: (1) State programs to pay individual practitioners on a fee-for-service basis; and (2) the Board to establish models for such payment and for global fee payment methodologies. Permits States to require electronic billing. (Sec. 613) Authorizes programs to pay CHSOs based on annual budgets or risk-adjusted capitation payments, reduced by the costs of covered services not provided by the CHSO. (Sec. 614) Directs that programs pay for community-based primary health services based on global budgets, basic primary care capitation amounts for enrollees, or fee-for-service. (Sec. 615) Requires: (1) the Board to establish a list of approved prescription drugs and to determine maximum prices; and (2) each program to pay for such drugs based on such maximum prices and to pay separate dispensing fees to pharmacies. (Sec. 616) Directs: (1) the Board to establish a list of approved durable medical equipment and therapeutic devices and equipment; and (2) programs to pay for such items based on maximum prices determined by the Board. (Sec. 617) Requires State programs to pay for other items and services based on methodologies adopted by the Board. (Sec. 618) Directs the Board to establish model payment methodologies and other incentives that promote the provision of services in medically underserved areas. (Sec. 619) Authorizes programs to use alternative payment methodologies, provided certain requirements are met. Subtitle C: Mandatory Assignment and Administrative Provisions - Requires that participating providers accept program payment as full payment. Permits provider exclusion and civil penalties for violations. (Sec. 632) Requires a provider payment appeals process. Title VII: Promotion of Primary Health Care; Development of Health Service Capacity; Programs to Assist the Medically Underserved - Subtitle A: Promotion and Expansion of Primary Care Professional Training - Sets forth Board responsibilities regarding the education of health professionals. Sets as national goals that: (1) at least 50 percent of graduate medical residencies be in primary care within five years of this Act's enactment; and (2) there be a certain number, specified by the Board, of midlevel primary care practitioners employed in the health care system by a specified date. (Sec. 702) Mandates an Advisory Committee on Health Professional Education. (Sec. 703) Requires transfer of specified revenues from the American Health Security Trust Fund (Fund) for certain existing programs supporting health professional education and nursing education and for the National Health Service Corps. Subtitle B: Direct Health Care Delivery - Mandates transfer of specified Fund revenues to the Public Health Service for maternal and child health block grants, prevention and treatment of tuberculosis, prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, preventive health block grants, grants to States for community mental health services and the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, grants for HIV health care services, public health formula grants, and primary care service expansion grants. (Sec. 713) Mandates grants to primary care centers to plan, develop, and deliver primary care to medically underserved populations. Subtitle C: Primary Care and Outcomes Research - Mandates transfer of specified Fund revenues to the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research for health outcomes research. (Sec. 722) Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish in the National Institutes of Health an Office of Primary Care and Prevention Research and a national data system and clearinghouse on primary care and prevention research. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: School-Related Health Services - Authorizes appropriations for this subtitle. Mandates grants to State health agencies or to local community partnerships to develop and operate school health service sites. Title VIII: Financing Provisions; American Health Security Trust Fund - Subtitle A: American Health Security Trust Fund - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create the American Health Security Trust Fund (Fund). Appropriates to the Fund the increase in tax liabilities attributable to the application of amendments made by this title and receipts from: Medicare, Medicaid, Federal employees' health benefits program, CHAMPUS, Maternal and Child Health program (under title V of the Social Security Act), vocational rehabilitation programs, drug abuse and mental health services programs under the Public Health Service Act, programs providing general hospital or medical assistance, and certain other Federal programs. Transfers to the Fund amounts in the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Subtitle B: Taxes Based on Income and Wages - Imposes a health care excise tax on every employer and on the self-employed, railroad employers, and railroad employee representatives. Imposes an individual health care income tax. Prohibits credits against the tax and any effect on the minimum tax in relation to the individual health care income tax. Subtitle C: Increase in Excise Taxes on Tobacco Products - Increases the excise taxes on tobacco products. Title IX: Conforming Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Makes the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) inapplicable to health coverage arrangements under State health security programs. Exempts State health security programs from ERISA preemption. Prohibits employee benefits duplicating State health security program benefits and requires that a liable workers' compensation carrier reimburse the State health security plan. Repeals ERISA continuation coverage requirements. Title X: Additional Conforming Amendments - Repeals specified provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, ERISA, and the Public Health Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1997
Amtrak Route Closure and Realignment Act of 1997 - Establishes as an independent commission the Total Realignment of Amtrak Commission. Directs the Commission to: (1) identify Amtrak passenger rail routes which are candidates for closure or realignment based on system-wide economic performance rankings and other specified principles and factors; (2) examine ridership forecasts and other assumptions supporting continued service on the Northeast Corridor, particularly with respect to the continuation of the electrification of the Northeast Corridor between New Haven, Connecticut, and Boston, Massachusetts; and (3) examine optional uses for abandoned rail lines. Requires the Commission to report to the Congress and the President on its activities, including recommendations for the closure and realignment of routes in Amtrak's passenger rail system. Sets forth procedures for congressional consideration of Commission recommendations. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1997
Credit Union Membership Access Act - Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to limit Federal credit union membership to one or more groups each of which has a common bond within such group.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1997
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1997
Honors Cesar E. Chavez for his commitment to improve the plight of farm workers and the poor. Urges that a Federal holiday be recognized throughout the United States in his honor. Encourages all Americans to commit themselves to working for justice through nonviolence in their communities.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1997
Expresses the sense of the Congress that it recognizes: (1) the concern of the railroad industry that the current spousal annuity system is inadequate; and (2) that a process of dialogue must take place among all parties of the railroad community including rail labor, management, and retiree organizations before railroad annuity legislation can be enacted. Urges all parties to find a way to fund an amendment that would improve the survivor benefits component to the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Pension Access and Coverage Subtitle A: Improved Access to Individual Retirement Savings Subtitle B: Improved Fairness in Retirement Plan Benefits Subtitle C: Improving Retirement Plan Coverage Subtitle D: Simplifying Plan Requirements Title II: Security Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: ERISA Enforcement Title III: Portability Title IV: Comprehensive Women's Pension Protection Subtitle A: Pension Reform Subtitle B: Protection of Rights of Former Spouses to Pension Benefits Under Certain Government and Government-Sponsored Retirement Programs Subtitle C: Modifications of Joint and Survivor Annuity Requirements Subtitle D: Spousal Consent Required for Distributions From Section 401(k) Plans Subtitle E: Women's Pension Toll-Free Phone Number Title V: Date for Adoption of Plan Amendments Retirement Security Act of 1997 - Title I: Pension Access and Coverage - Subtitle A: Improved Access to Individual Retirement Savings - Chapter 1: Contributions To Individual Retirement Plans Through Payroll Deductions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to require a private contractor with the Secretary of Labor to establish a system under which: (1) eligible employees, through employer payroll deductions, may make contributions to individual retirement plans; and (2) amounts in the individual retirement plans are invested according to certain requirements. (Sec. 103) Provides for: (1) contributions to individual retirement plans; (2) investment options; (3) accounting and information; (4) administrative costs; (5) fiduciary responsibilities, liability and penalties, bonding, and investigative authority; and (6) selection of contractor. (Sec. 108) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the Secretary of Labor to design and award the contract for such system; and (2) the contractor to begin operations. Chapter 2: Nonrefundable Tax Credit for Contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts - Amends IRC to allow a nonrefundable tax credit for a portion of contributions to individual retirement plans, calculated according to a specified scale. Chapter 3: Expanded Individual Retirement Accounts to Increase Coverage and Portability - Subchapter A: IRA Deduction - Raises the income limitations for the individual retirement account (IRA) tax deduction, with a corresponding adjustment to the formula for the phaseout of such limitations. (Sec. 122) Prescribes an inflation adjustment for the IRA deductible amount and income limitations. Subchapter B: Distributions and Investments - Allows the use of distributions from individual retirement plans, without additional tax, to: (1) purchase first homes; (2) pay higher education expenses; or (3) pay financially devastating medical expenses. (Sec. 132) Allows the use without penalty of distributions from certain plans during periods of unemployment. (Sec. 133) Requires that contributions to individual retirement plans (other than special individual retirement accounts) be held for at least five years in certain cases before they may be distributed without specified tax consequences. Chapter 4: Periodic Pension Benefits Statements - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) with respect to periodic pension benefits statements in cases of defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, and multiemployer plans. Subtitle B: Improved Fairness in Retirement Plan Benefits - Amends IRC to require a specified minimum employer contribution to simple retirement accounts. Provides for an employer option to suspend contributions with 30-days' notice. Amends ERISA with respect to fiduciary duties in the case of such accounts. (Sec. 152) Amends IRC to set forth various nondiscrimination rules for qualified cash or deferred arrangements and matching contributions. (Sec. 153) Increases from $75,000 to $80,000 per year specified compensation criteria for a highly compensated employee. Excludes specified categories of employees with respect to age, short length of service, and part-time service from the meaning of highly compensated employee. Subtitle C: Improving Retirement Plan Coverage - Allows a tax credit for up to a maximum $500 of the qualified start-up costs of eligible small employers in establishing a qualified pension plan or qualified employer payroll deduction system. (Sec. 162) Limits annual benefits under governmental and multiemployer plans to $90,000, eliminating the alternative 100 percent of high three-year average compensation limitation. Exempts from the $7,500 or one third of includible compensation limit for annual benefits certain excess benefit arrangements under deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations. Prohibits such arrangements from being taken into account in determining whether any other plan is an eligible deferred compensation plan. (Sec. 163) Declares that compensation deferred under a mirror plan shall not be taken into account in applying certain limits (with respect to deferred compensation plans of State and local governments and tax-exempt organizations) to compensation deferred under any other deferred compensation plan. (Sec. 164) Sets forth special rules to treat contributions by self-employed individuals as matching contributions. (Sec. 165) Amends specified Federal law relating to Federal employees to allow immediate participation in the Thrift Savings Plan for Federal employees by eliminating certain waiting periods. (Sec. 166) Amends the IRC to revise the limits on contributions excluded from the calculation of non-deductible contributions for purposes of the tax on non-deductible contributions to a qualified employer plan. (Sec. 167) Excludes from gross income any workers' compensation received by former police officers or fire fighters for heart disease or hypertension. Subtitle D: Simplifying Plan Requirements - Amends IRC and ERISA to set a full funding limitation for multiemployer plans. (Sec. 172) Eliminates IRC partial termination rules for multiemployer plans. (Sec. 173) Revises IRC nondiscrimination and minimum participation rules with respect to governmental plans. (Sec. 174) Eliminates specified ERISA requirements for plan descriptions and for filing of summary plan descriptions and descriptions of material modifications to a plan. (Sec. 175) Replaces the 150 percent of current liability factor in the calculation of the full-funding limit with an incremental scale from 155 percent in 1998 to 170 percent in 2001, followed by zero in 2002 and succeeding years. (Sec. 176) Directs the Secretaries of the Treasury and of Labor to expand their efforts to examine existing guidance regarding notice, recordkeeping, and operational requirements for retirement plans, in order to permit the use of new technologies by plan sponsors and administrators in ways which maintain the protection of the rights of participants and beneficiaries. Title II: Security - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Amends ERISA to provide investment protection for specified plans that include qualified cash or deferred arrangements under IRC ("401(k) plans") by setting limitations on investment in employer securities and employer real property by cash or deferred arrangements. Provides a transition rule for plans holding excess securities or property. (Sec. 202) Applies an ERISA requirement for annual, detailed investment reports to certain IRC 401(k) plans. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in prescribing regulations for required information in such reports, to consider including specified types of information. (Sec. 203) Directs the Secretary of Labor to study and report to the Congress on: (1) the extent to which pension plans invest in collectibles; and (2) whether such investments present a risk to the pension security of the participants and beneficiaries of such plans. (Sec. 204) Amends IRC to prohibit qualified employer plans from making loans through credit cards and other intermediaries. (Sec. 205) Increases the amounts of multiemployer plan benefits guaranteed under ERISA. (Sec. 206) Increases the maximum amount of the civil penalty which may be assessed administratively for certain prohibited transactions. (Sec. 207) Amends ERISA with respect to substantial owner benefits to revise the phase-in of guarantee and the allocation of assets. (Sec. 208) Directs the Secretary of Labor to report annually to the President and the Congress on plans from which residual assets were distributed to employers (reversion report). (Sec. 209) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of the Treasury should: (1) review existing correction mechanisms to determine whether modifications might facilitate additional utilization by sponsors, improve voluntary compliance, and hasten the correction of pension plans; (2) consider whether additional means of addressing nonegregious violations should be explored; and (3) make appropriate legislative recommendations. Subtitle B: ERISA Enforcement - Amends ERISA enforcement provisions to repeal a limited scope audit requirement for employee pension benefit plans. Requires an accountant, in offering an opinion in the case of an employee pension benefit plan, to rely, to the extent consistent with generally accepted auditing standards, on the work of any independent public accountant of any bank or similar institution or insurance carrier that holds assets or processes transactions of the employee pension benefit plan, provided that such bank, institution, or insurance carrier is regulated, supervised, and subject to periodic examination by a State or Federal agency. (Sec. 212) Sets forth additional ERISA requirements for qualified public accountants. (Sec. 213) Amends ERISA and the IRC to exempt from the prohibition against assignment or alienation of an accrued pension benefit offsets for certain civil and criminal judgments against fiduciaries. Changes from mandatory to discretionary the imposition and amount of civil penalties for breach of fiduciary responsibilities. Title III: Portability - Amends ERISA and the IRC to provide for faster vesting of employer matching contributions. (Sec. 302) Revises certain restrictions on distributions from IRC 401(k) plans. (Sec. 303) Amends ERISA and IRC with respect to an accrued benefit not to be decreased by plan amendment to revise the treatment of transfers between defined contribution plans. (Sec. 304) Amends ERISA rules requiring transfer of benefits of missing participants to direct the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) to prescribe similar rules for multiemployer plans that terminate. Requires transfer of missing participants' plan benefits to the PBGC by certain plans not otherwise subject to ERISA enforcement provisions. Title IV: Comprehensive Women's Pension Protection - Subtitle A: Pension Reform - Makes certain new rules for pension integration under the Tax Reform Act of 1986 applicable to all existing accrued benefits. (Sec. 401) Amends IRC to: (1) disallow integration for simplified employee pensions; and (2) provide for eventual repeal of certain pension integration rules. (Sec. 402) Sets forth rules regarding the application of minimum coverage requirements with respect to separate lines of business. (Sec. 403) Amends IRC and ERISA with respect to division of pension benefits upon divorce, at the former spouse's election, to deem any State divorce decree to be a domestic relations order specifying that half of the marital share of the participant's accrued benefit is to be provided to such former spouse. (Sec. 404) Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (RRA) to entitle divorced spouses to railroad retirement annuities independent of the employee's actual entitlement. Subtitle B: Protection of Rights of Former Spouses to Pension Benefits Under Certain Government and Government-Sponsored Retirement Programs - Amends RRA to extend Tier II railroad retirement benefits to surviving former spouses pursuant to divorce agreements. (Sec. 412) Amends Federal civil service law with respect to survivor annuities for widows, widowers, and former spouses of Federal employees who die before attaining the age for deferred annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). (Sec. 413) Amends Federal law relating to the armed forces to terminate a two-tier annuity computation and social security offset under the military survivor benefit plan. (Sec. 414) Amends Federal civil service law with respect to payment of lump-sum benefits to former spouses of Federal employees under CSRS and the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS). Subtitle C: Modifications of Joint and Survivor Annuity Requirements - Modifies ERISA and IRC requirements for joint and survivor annuities to provide for an alternative joint and two-thirds survivor annuity payable while both the participant and the spouse are alive. Subtitle D: Spousal Consent Required for Distributions From Section 401(k) Plans - Amends IRC to require spousal consent for distributions from section 401(k) plans. Subtitle E: Women's Pension Toll-Free Phone Number - Directs the Secretary of Labor to contract with an independent organization to create a women's pension toll-free phone number and contact. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Date for Adoption of Plan Amendments - Sets forth dates for adoption of plan amendments.
![Official portrait of Rep. Fattah, Chaka [D-PA-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000043_200.jpg)